As summer approaches, and the Hoboken bar scene becomes increasingly busy, Hoboken has hired five new part-time police officers to help alleviate weekend crowds and keep order.

With their friends, family, and city officials in attendance, five new Class II Special Police Officers were sworn in on April 16, led by Senior Recruit Tyrone Huggins, 26, who attended Hoboken High School and said he has always wanted to be a police officer.

The other officers – Maurice Johnson, 25, Christopher Barral, 22, Michael Kula, 25, and Michael Camporeale, 25 – will work alongside experienced, full-time police officers as they receive further training and get a feel for foot patrol in Hoboken.

The new recruits will most likely perform the majority of their patrols on Thursday through Sunday as crowds pick up.

The value of first responders

The bombings at the Boston Marathon took place the day before the ceremony, and city officials who spoke at the ceremony emphasized the importance of first responders in the community.

Rev. Alex Santora led the ceremony with prayers for the victims and stressed the importance of a police presence.

_____________They will earn $15 to $20 per hour.____________

“So many police were already deployed at the scene of the explosions that their presence there saved lives, because they could respond right away, and that illustrates to us the importance of the presence of police in the community not only as a deterrent but also as a sign of security,” Rev. Santora said.

“In light of what happened yesterday, it is an honor to come here and welcome new officers into the Hoboken Police Department,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “Obviously we are all going to be much more vigilant and our thoughts and prayers are very much with the people of Boston today.”

Police Chief Anthony Falco reminded the new officers of what their new job requires from them and the commitments they have made to their community.

“I want you to be proud to be in the best police department in the United States,” said Falco.

The responsibilities of a Class II special officer are the same as a regular police officer, but only while on duty, which means they have to turn in their police equipment and weapons at the end of their shift. The special officers endure several months of training much like regular officers, including firearms training.

The new officers will be working part-time at an hourly rate of $15-$20 and will not receive benefits, officials have said. Compared to a regular officer who can make upwards of $65 an hour, these new officers will provide Hoboken with an economical means of maintaining additional security.